The main objective of the scheme is to recognise the value of sport within the extended curriculum and awards of Pounds 1,000 and more will be offered. These will go to reward schools that offer extensive sporting opportunities and to provide incentives for other schools to do likewise.

Schools will effectively be graded for what they provide and how successfully they link with clubs and communities. The scheme is open to all secondary schools in Scotland and applications will be considered by a panel drawn from the sports council’s youth sport strategy group.

“Schools play a vital role in providing solid grounding in sport among young people,” Allan Alstead, the council’s chief executive, said.

“The Sports Mark Award Scheme will recognise existing good practice as well as providing an incentive to develop future sporting opportunities for staff and pupils.”

The closing date for applications is December 20 and awards will be announced in February.